2012-2013
John Molla, Educator: Graduated Class of 1985
John truly comes from a Rowland family. His father, John Sr., was a member of Rowland High’s very first graduating class in 1966, and he has an aunt and uncle who are also Rowland grads. John has been at Rowland High for a total of 26 years: 4 as a student, 5 as a substitute teacher, and 17 as a full-time mathematics teacher. In addition, he has been a high school and youth sports coach for 21 years. His service to youth was acknowledged in 2007 when he received the "You Make A Difference" award from the city of Fontana. John has made a difference to his students, our school, and the community. He is a great math teacher and has participated in a number of district and school committees. In addition to his regular teaching assignment, John teaches the 6th grade Algebra 1 class. One of the most demanding aspects of the teaching the class is developing activities that are appropriate for the 6th grade students yet challenges them beyond the California Algebra Standards. He also gets them exited about becoming a Rowland Raider when they enter high school. John excels at building relationships with his students. It is obvious that there is a mutual respect in his classroom and students enjoy being in his class. Not only does he assist students academically, he also attends numerous extra-curricular activities to support his students. It was for all these reasons and more that John was selected as Rowland High School’s and the Rowland Unified School District’s Certificated Employee of the Year in 2008, and why we honor him today as an outstanding alumnus of Rowland High School.
Patrick Hosterman – Senior Chief Avionics Technician – US Navy Blue Angels: Graduated Class of 1988
After graduating from Rowland High School, Patrick enlisted in the Navy and reported for training at the Navy Recruit Training Command in San Diego. He then reported to the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Tennessee where he attended Advanced First Term Avionics training. His first deployment was to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and then in 1992, aboard the ship USS Ranger, he went Iraq and then Somalia where he assisted in the massive relief efforts for starving Somalis in Operation Restore Hope. He advanced in rank to Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Petty Office, and, in 2010, joined the Blue Angels as the Maintenance Senior Chief. In addition, he continued his educational efforts and received a B.A. in Business Management through Columbia Southern University and a Masters Degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Patrick has received many commendations and medals throughout his career both for his performance in the Navy and his volunteer efforts in the communities where he and his family have lived. In fact, he makes volunteering a family effort with his wife Sherry (who graduated from Rowland High in 1992) and his children Robert, Danielle, and Breanna. In a letter Patrick wrote to Rowland High in 2011, he stated, “The education I received from RHS was instrumental in my current success. The educational foundations helped me to excel in electronics and eventually lead me to completion of three college degrees. Thank you for what you have provided me, and inspire your students today.”
